It’s amazing how much wearing a uniform for work can change the way you look at getting dressed in the morning! Most days, by biggest concern is getting my tie tied correctly, or seeing if I can finagle being allowed to wear a hairnet rather than a visor or ball cap. Oddly enough, the hairnet is cooler, and doesn’t interfere with my peripheral vision as much. Plus, I sell more because I get that little old lady sympathy purchase…
But I did dress up a few times – working the pink and grey combo a lot this month…
On St. Patrick’s Day, in honor of the last day of the 6 Nations Rugby tournament, I wore my completely out of character “This is NOT Soccer” tee shirt…
And late in the month, I went from a fairly casual lunch, in a cardigan and velvet jeans, to the theater, in the same cardigan, with a skirt and dress shoes. Versatile is what it’s all about in my wardrobe!
I notice that my Barbour jacket is show twice this month – a mistake, I admit, but the jacket is worthy of double-billing.
Does that Barbour jacket keep you warm?
I saw one in a local boutique and thought the quilting quite thin…
I am just curious what you think of it.
How did you find the sizing from UK to our North American sizes?
The logo is subtle and the quality looks great, I am tempted.
I'm not even sure what size my jacket is – I tried it on before I bought it. I stay quite warm in it, but I'm not someone who gets terribly cold, so your mileage may vary. That said, I'm a big fan of Barbour – their quality is similar to Burberry, but the branding is much more subtle.
big hug,
Vivienne
There is a lot to be said for uniforms! That and a great cup of coffee makes for a much easier way to begin the day.
Quick question for you (not sure if I should ask here or over where you guest-posted…) but what is the secret to wearing a white cardigan and not looking like you are wearing a lab coat? I always feel like I should have "Dr. Welby" monogrammed on my chest somewhere.
-Renee
How do you photograph your own clothing or do you find images on the web and use them instead?
A mix of both – I photograph my clothes hanging on a wire hanger, against a plain wall, and then I Photoshop the hanger and the background out of the picture. Sometimes I cheat and use the catalog picture, as it is almost always better quality than any picture I could take!
thanks for being here,
Vivienne
I kind of like the idea of uniforms…easy and durable for messy work. I think that is why so many stay at home moms get in a 'uniform' rut with yoga outfits or jeans and tees.
I'll have to read through your archives and see if you have any stay at home mom wardrobes. ;-) Durable clothes with a bit of flair?…
Lisa
Isn't this the best site? Though I suspect Vivienne is neither short nor pear of shape, her ensembles are the greatest. And the links and commenters are good too.
V, if you're taking such requests, an out with little kids uniform for weekends. I finally got some shame and gave up the yoga pants & hoodie. But jeans, sneakers and fleece is getting a tired. Fleece is too appealing because it's impossible to stain. Lots of 40 plus moms with toddlers these days. And the advice from mommy blogs that we go for the *wedge* heeled whatevers? Um, no. 4 inches is still 3 inches too high.
If you have any thoughts on the ankle reveal trend, would love those too. You look fab is not a fan, maintains the leg is always shortened. And, though some can get away with it, it's never helpful. The younger hipper set (Marant fans like anti moderns and dead fleurette) are all about the ankle. *Can* an over 40 who isn't built like Jackie O show the ankle without looking dowdy?
Looking at outfits that go together really curbs any urge to just pick stuff up after a go-to t shirt is irreparably stained.
Thanks so much.
it's always such a pleasure reading your blog – and i love your shopping-fast posts because it makes the idea of "capsule" chic dressing so real. congrats on 7 months, i am having a harder time trying to stick with my own shopping fast and this serves as a good reminder it can be done.
quick question – where did you find those keds-married-a pair of brogues-and-had-a-love-child sneakers? i adore them. seriously.
Shoemetro.com has them in stock right now! My pair of appallingly fun Keds were at Bloomingdale's last summer. Belovedest and I looked at them in the window, walked half a block down the street, and I turned to him and said "I MUST have them…". That's what we call "whappage" in our household – when something you see whaps you so hard that you just can't say no. Whappage is seldom denied, chez nous.
thanks for asking!
Vivienne
Thank you! LOL, "whappage" – finally I have a term to describe it. Thanks again — c
Work uniforms are genius, why doesn't everybody do that? And, your fast doesn't look the least bit constricted, congratulations!
You forgot to mention how much easier a shopping fast is when you are wearing a uniform every day! One actually looks forward to shopping their own closet when the time comes:) Great job on 7 months!!